Zakhilwal Says Endorsing ‘Interim’ Gov’t Proposal If It Leads to Peace

Omar Zakhilwal, former Afghan envoy to Pakistan and one of the participants of recent Moscow talks, says he is endorsing the proposal of an interim government in Afghanistan if it leads to lasting peace in the war-torn country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ariana News on Wednesday, Zakhilwal said that the government’s decision to hold a consultative Loya Jirga in Kabul next month is an attempt to undermine the outcomes of last week’s Moscow talks between the Afghan oppositions and the Taliban representatives.

He said if the consultative Loya Jirga proved to be in contrast with Moscow meeting, “it will divide us, we are hopeful it doesn’t go that far because everyone is aware of its harmful consequences”.

In parts of his speech, Zakhilwal endorsed the interim government proposal if it could ensure lasting peace in Afghanistan.

“If the peace talks lead into establishment of an interim government, why should not [support it], peace is above everything,” he said. “The interim government doesn’t mean to annihilate the system.”

It comes as President Ghani had called the idea of interim government “ridiculous” and said that those who insist on the plan should wait for hundreds of years.

The proposal of interim government apparently has been one of the agenda of Moscow talks being backed by the Afghan oppositions including Mohammad Mohaqiq who called it the best possible option in the given scenario.